Philippines: 7 Abu Sayyaf fighters killed in clash with army in Sulu
About seven suspected members of Philippine armed group Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been killed following an encounter at sea with the military in the country’s southern province of Sulu.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command said an “all-out offensive” was launched early on Tuesday against the group of fighters near Sulare Island, which lies west of the ASG’s stronghold on Jolo.
AFP Western Command head Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan said in a statement that the military dispatched aircraft and ships against the group led by Radullan Sahiron and Mundi Sawadjaan – the main suspect in a twin bombing in Jolo in August that killed more than twelve soldiers.
“Exchanges of fires transpired, which lasted for 25 minutes, and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilised by more or less seven ASG members,” Vinluan said in a statement.